TV: A&E’s ‘Psycho’ Prequel “Bates Motel” Goes To Series

A few months ago A&E announced it was in early development on “Bates Motel,” and that it would serve as a prequel to the Alfred Hitchcock 1960 classic Psycho. The plan was to offer an understanding into how Norman Bates’ psyche developed and would tell the back story of the film’s killer. The audience was to learn of how his mother and her lover damaged him, transforming him into serial-killing motel owner.

And that plan looks like it’s going swimmingly. Apparently their faith in exec producer Carlton Cuse (formerly the showrunner of “Lost”) is stronger than expected because they’ve committed the project to series without seeing a pilot. Per Variety, “Cabler has ordered 10 episodes of the Universal Television series while forgoing a pilot. A&E’s faith in not asking for pilot first comes in the form of former “Lost” showrunner Carlton Cuse, who will exec produce with Kerry Ehrin.”

“We are proud to be partnering with Carlton Cuse and Kerry Ehrin on their thrilling reinvention of one of the most compelling characters in cinematic history,” said A&E president Bob DeBitetto and exec VP of programming David McKillop in a joint statement. “It’s a provocative project from two of the best storytellers in the business and we’re looking forward to getting started.”

“Bates Motel” premieres in 2013. Who do you think should play Norman Bates?